Right now is the perfect time of year to do indoor projects geared for the outside. It helps us know that spring is right around the corner and also gives us a sense of making the world a little bit brighter by adding some color. Creating some easy bird feeders are a great way to do just that. And, any time you can involve kids or grandkids, these projects become extra fun.
Empty Can Bird Feeder
Select a variety of cans. A smaller can for smaller birds, a larger bean can or small paint can for medium birds, and a gallon paint can size for robins and cardinals. Make sure the can is washed very well, inside and out. Either use spray paint for the outside or paint the cans by hand. By hand is fun so kids or adults can use a variety of bright colors and even paint designs on the cans. After cans are painted and dry, put a ribbon or a sturdy string or wire around the can in order for it to be able to be hung in a tree. Place a popsicle stick or an actual stick at the opening, and hot glue it to the inside. This will give the birds a perch to stand on while they eat. The cans hang on their side and the seed lays in the cans, so the birds are able to stand at the opening, and eat right out of the can.
Milk Carton Bird Feeder
Select a regular milk carton. It can be a quart, pint, or gallon size. Just like the cans above, make sure the carton is clean inside and out. Again, use spray paint or acrylics to paint the cartons by hand. Make sure the cartons dry completely after painting. The cartons are a little more versatile than the cans, so you can cut out a couple of places to make perches for the birds. Use popsicle sticks in the same way as the cans, by using a hot glue gun to glue the sticks to the cartons so they are stable for the birds. These feeders make a colorful addition to the area and help feed birds as well.
Orange Half Feeder
Hollow out a half an orange. Poke holes near the top of the orange so that you can put twine or wire through the holes and balance the orange so it is able to hang like a planter. Then fill the orange with seeds. Hang in a tree or from a hook on your porch and wait.
While discussing bird feeders and feeding birds, it is a good time to bring up the question of feeding birds from slices of bread. Should you or should you not feed birds bread? Most common white breads are not useful for birds. Bread brings little nutritional value and only serves to fill the bird up, causing the bird to not seek better food choices. Bread contains little or no protein and birds need protein from seeds, insects, worms, and nuts in order to develop feathers and strong muscles. So resist the urge to throw bread to the birds. Stick with your new feeders and fill those with seeds!
